Technology » 1:1 Frequently Asked Questions

1:1 Frequently Asked Questions

1:1 Device FAQs for Parents & Students

What kind of device will students be using?
iPads will be distributed to students in grades K-1. Chromebooks will be distributed to students in grades 2-12.
 
Where can I access the MPS 1:1 Handbook?
You can click on this link to access the MPS 1:1 Handbook. Click Here
 
Will students be able to take the devices home?
Beginning the first week of school, all students in Grades K-12 will take devices home every night and bring to school each day during the school year. All students will participate in a Device Care Orientation during the first week of school on how to properly care for their MPS loaned device. 
 
What happens if students forget their device at home?
Students are responsible for bringing their devices to school fully charged each day. If a student leaves his/her device at home or the device is dead due to an uncharged battery, the student will complete all assignments on paper that day. Students will then transfer all work to their device on their own time. It is important that students become responsible for bringing their devices to and from school each and every day. 
 
What happens if students forget to charge their device and the device has no battery life left?
There are no loaner chargers or power cords available at school. Students are responsible for fully charging their device at home each night. Students will not be permitted to charge their device during school or class hours. Charging and power cords should be left at home. Only the MPS issued power cord should be used to charge the device.
 
What if the device is not working or damaged? 
Students should immediately report all damage/problems to their classroom teacher. Their teacher will direct them, at an appropriate time, to the Library Media Center. . 
 
What should a student do if his/her device is lost or stolen? 
If you believe your device is lost or stolen, please notify your Library Media Specialist and School Office. Parents must file a police report for stolen devices in order to have the replacement costs covered.
 
How will devices be safely transported between school and home? 
A case or carrying bag will be provided to all students. Students are encouraged to exercise care when transporting their devices in their backpacks, even if it is in a case. Students should not put excessive weight on the device and should not throw or toss their backpack. The cases that are provided are designed to be kept on the device at all times.
 
Will my child need any additional accessories for their device? 
Students who have a Chromebook and want to use a mouse can purchase one for their own use. These will not be provided by MPS. It is also strongly recommended that students have their own headphones or earbuds to use when needed at school.  
 
Should my student bring their charger to school? 
 Students MUST leave their charger at home and come to school each day with their device fully charged. This will avoid chargers being lost, misplaced, or stolen while at school. There will not be loaner chargers or charging stations available at school. 
 
How does my student connect to the Internet at home on his or her device? 
This link has some general directions. Keep in mind each wifi network is different, but these should help get you started. 
 
How will the school address digital citizenship/online safety with students? 
Digital Citizenship is taught within the Library Media curriculum at the elementary, middle and high school levels with regard to information literacy, copyright, and internet safety. In addition, teachers incorporate safe use of technology and online resources throughout the school year.
 
Can the district monitor my child’s online activity when using the school issued device? 
When a student uses any district resources such as: Chromebooks and iPads issued by MPS, the Google Suite for education products, or just browses the web signed in under the montvilleschools.net account, whether it be at home or school, their activity is logged. These resources are owned by the district and we are required by law to put in reasonable measures to limit access to inappropriate material and to monitor inappropriate student behavior. While there is no staff member that is monitoring activity all day long, if there is a problem the log files will be accessed by an Administrator. Students and Staff should have no expectation of privacy when using district resources as outlined in the terms of our Student Acceptable Usage Policy 5118.5. 
 
What happens to the device if my child leaves the district? 
The student must return the device and charger to the Library Media Center by their last day of attendance with MPS. 
 
How often will the devices be used in the classroom? 
Classroom teachers will determine when it is appropriate for students to use their devices in class. The district sees devices as another tool to support teaching and learning in the classroom, just as pencils and books are tools. It is not expected or encouraged for students to be on devices 6+ hours per day.
 
Can parents/siblings use the device? 
Only the student assigned to the device is permitted to use it. Parents should not allow other family members to use the device.
 
How do I clean my device? 
Use microfiber cloth to wipe down the screen or wipes specifically meant to clean a computer. Never use any product containing any alcohol, ammonia, or other strong solvent to clean your device. Do NOT spray or wipe your device with any household cleaner/water and/or cleaning cloth/wipes. 
 
What if I don’t have internet access at home? 
If students do not have internet access at home, you should notify your child’s school Principal. There are several options available including: reduced monthly access fees for low income families through various service providers and instructions for students on how to work offline using the devices. Many tasks that students may be required to complete for homework may be available as an off-line activity. Our goal is to provide equal access to technology for all students of Montville Public Schools. 
 
Can my child print when at home?
No. Student devices will not have access to installing a printer for at home printing. 
 
Is there a Protection Plan available for my student’s device? 
 Parents/Guardians are strongly encouraged to purchase the MPS Device Protection Plan at a cost of $40 per year. The maximum charge per family is $120. Complete information on the Device Protection Plan is available HERE.
 
Is it possible to opt out of the 1:1 program?
No. 1:1 devices are expected to become an integral part of the education all students receive at Montville Public Schools. It should be considered as essential to the educational process as a textbook and we want them to take advantage of the powerful learning resources available with it. MPS has taken appropriate steps to provide students with a safe environment while using the device.
 
Can my student use a personal device instead of a district-provided device?
Students are strongly urged to use the district-provided devices.  We are able to ensure these devices have the necessary applications and address any issues students encounter. One application which is especially important is LanSchool Air which enables the teacher to connect with all students in the classroom and engage with them remotely as they work.  For example, the teacher can view the student’s monitor as they work and offer feedback in real time.  They can also manage the class by blanking the students’ screens to bring their attention back to whole class instruction or restrict students’ access to the internet.  If you do provide a device for your child, you would need to ensure that the device will hold a charge for the full school day as we do not have the capacity for students to plug in devices in the classrooms.